Monday, 19 January 2009

Five London Attractions

Five London Attractions You Cannot Afford to Miss

As the largest city in Western Europe and with a metropolitan area that encompasses over 14 million people from across the globe, London truly is one of the most dynamic, vibrant and interesting cities in the world. With so many unique attractions to visit it can be difficult to choose which are the most deserving of your attention, but the following five are attractions that you perhaps cannot afford to miss on a London holiday.

One of the most popular attractions, Buckingham Palace attracts millions of visitors every year. A symbol of the British monarchy and modern day Britain, the palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally known as Buckingham House, the palace was originally just a townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. Since then many additional buildings have been added, and it is today known as Buckingham Palace, serving as a Royal residence and reception for popular royal parties, which attracts more than 50,000 people per year.

Another popular attraction which draws in more than a million visitors per year is Westminster Abbey. The large Gothic church is located in Westminster and is the traditional place for coronation as well as a popular burial place for Commonwealth monarchs. During its existence the abbey has severed as a monastery, a church and a burial site and is now recognised as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.

St Paul's Cathedral continues to be one of London's most popular attractions. Designed by Christopher Wren, the current cathedral is a replacement of the original Gothic building which was destroyed in 1666. The cathedral is open to the public and is free if you attend the midday service; however, it is not possible to get to the top without a valid ticket. What's more, below the cathedral are the tombs of some of the most famous figures in British history, including Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

The Tower of London - founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 - is one of the city's most famous attractions. During its 900 year existence the tower of London has served as a Royal Palace, a prison, jewel house, a place of execution, and countless other roles. If visiting the castle it is worth going to the Ceremony of the Keys, a locking up ceremony performed every night at ten o'clock. During the tower's existence the tradition has never been missed and only delayed once when the Luftwaffe bombed the tower.

Trafalgar Square continues to serve as one of London's most popular attractions. Designed by John Nash in the 1820's as a commemoration of London Nelson's victory against Napoleon at the battle of Trafalgar, the pigeon-popular columns attract millions of visitors every year. Trafalgar square is also the location of London's smallest police station and within walking distance of the popular National Gallery.

Indeed, central London offers travellers a wide range of activities to enjoy, which means it is all the more important to understand that there are a wide range of available help ensure that you make the most of your holiday. And with so many attractions to visit and enjoy, such an option can only be a good thing.

Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Collins


London Tourist Attraction


London Tourist Attractions

London is one of the more historically distinguished cities of the world with its contribution to culture, the arts, music, architecture, and almost every aspect of classical and modern living. There are also many tourist locations in London, attracting thousands of travelers each year. Here are a few of those attractions that are a "must see" for tourists.

King George III bought Buckingham Palace for his wife, Charlotte, in 1761. The original reason for the purchase was for use as a family house. Since then, the Palace has undergone several renovations and has become host to numerous royals personas making it the most popular tourist spot in London. Today, Buckingham Palace serves as the main focal point of the Monarchy where it conducts its day to day business. It has elegant state rooms which are usually used by the Royal family and royal guests but are open for public viewing at certain times. Buckingham Palace is also renowned for the Changing of the Guard and the Horse Guards Parade.

One of the most famous London tourist attractions is Big Ben. This landmark is more than three hundred feet high and has four clock faces which measure more than twenty feet square. The minute hand of the clock is about fourteen feet long. On record, it is the world's biggest four faced clock which delivers chimes. There is a clock in Wisconsin that is larger but that clock has no chimes. This monument was named after Sir Benjamin Hall who was the first Commissioner of Works in London. Big Ben was also used as a prison for some political prisoners back in the late 1800s. This London tourist attraction is not usually open to the public and can only be seen from outside. Special permits can be granted by Westminster Council to allow some to go inside the clock. Big Ben is situated at the north-east part of the Houses of Parliament which was known before as the Palace Of Westminster. Big Ben is a London landmark which has been the subject of countless photographs and postcards, movies and magazine articles, has survived 2 world wars and has operated almost continuously, except for maintenance since it was built in the 1500s. The lengthiest maintenance down time was twenty years!

The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames. When most people think of the Tower, they identify with the White Tower built in 1078, where the princes were held as prisoners. The Tower of London is actually a complex of several buildings with 2 concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. It has served as a place of execution, an armoury, a library, a zoo and the Royal Mint. There is a legend that if the resident ravens were ever to leave the Tower of London, the White Tower, the monarchy, and the entire kingdom would fall.

Close to the Tower of London is the Tower Bridge. It is actually a suspension bridge which allows boats to conveniently navigate the River Thames. Walking its high walkways is something most people want to experience when in London. The bridge is an all time tourist attraction but it was closed in the early 1900s because it became a notorious site for crimes. It is now open to the public once again.

These are just a few of the important London tourist sites which one must not miss when visiting London. There are a lot more London sites to see, such as the British Museum, Princess Diana's Memorial, Hampstead Heath and Kew Gardens. Travel agencies usually offer air travel and hotel accommodation package tours.


Travel Tips

London Travel Tips - Popular London Tourist Attractions





London travel is exciting for tourists as there are many sites to see and things to do in this historical city. But if you plan on traveling to London, you better map out your destinations carefully as there is a lot to see. Whether you're looking for nightlife, history, or gardens you are sure to find it in London.

London is home to 200 galleries, 300 museums and over 150 events that happen every day so they are sure to be enough to keep you busy on your London trip. You might visit the Tate Museum after breakfast, pop over to Kensington Palace for lunch, and check out the display of Crown jewels at the Tower of London after supper.

If you're into history, then Westminster Abbey is sure to be at the top of your list. Here, not only will you find great architecture, but you'll also be able to see where many of the famous people in history are interred. This working church which performs services for all denominations is the final resting place of many kings and poets as well as scientists including Henry III and Isaac Newton.

Don't forget to include a visit to some of the many beautiful parks in your London travel itinerary. Regents, Hyde Park and St. James offer gorgeous trails and gardens in addition to outdoor activities such as soccer, model sail boating and tennis to name but a few. Also you want to pencil in a stop at the Japanese gardens at Holland Park and, of course, Kensington Gardens next to Kensington Palace.

Another garden you want to visit which really isn’t a garden at all is Covent Garden. Here you will find a wide array of shops and theaters along with entertaining street performers, pubs and restaurants. Covent Garden is home to the Royal Opera House along with great shopping and dining.

You also want to visit London's famous outdoor markets such as Portobello Road where you can haggle over antiques just as they did centuries ago. Borough market has been a popular trading place for thousands of years and has the atmosphere of a Moroccan bazaar complete with interesting and unusual foods.

London's West End, is home to many different pubs and restaurants where you can find anything to suit your palate and pocketbook. While you're there, don't forget to take in one of the many shows or performances which are said to rival those on Broadway.

No one would travel to London without visiting one of the museums and you'll sure have plenty to choose from. From science museums to natural history museums, you be able to see personal items at the Victoria and Albert Museum and of course visit the world-famous British Museum. They're interesting sites to see also in the museums that the Tower of London and Kensington Palace.

If you want to get a gander at some of the newer things in London check out the Tate modern where you can see the works of great 20th-century artists including Picasso and Matisse or visit the London Eye or you can take a glass gondola boat ride or ride on the world's largest Ferris wheel.

No matter what your London travel itinerary entails, you're sure to see plenty of interesting sites. Be sure to write down everything that you missed, so you can visit them the next time you travel to London!

Train Travel in London

This highly technologically enhanced world has made People a big workaholic as their profession demands it and all are focused to earn more and more money. In such a hectic schedule a small refreshing break will be awesome idea to brush up mind and soul with new feelings and new place. Lets have the pleasure of an exciting holiday in London which is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations of the world and feel the real magic of royal London train travel. One new popular way to explore charming locations of London is the train travel in London. This luxury travel trend through train is growing day by day. The trains are becoming the most safe and preferred mode of travel as it is an amazing idea for those who want to see numerous cities or countries in a single vacation.

London is a wonderful and most happening tourist destination in the world, which is blessed with dazzling locations and places to hold tourist attention for long. If you are going for an exciting train travel in London, then it will surely guarantee you the extreme relaxation and satisfaction, which you are looking for. The highly sophisticated, comprehensive and well planned train network in London offer tourists a hassle free and easy access to their desired destinations. You can explore charming places of London and its various other highly path-breaking sights in the best way through train travel only.

The royal and extremely mesmerising places of London are Globe Theatre, Central London, Madame Tussaud's Museum, Tower of London and many more majestic attractions like the London Eye, Greenwich park, kew gardens etc. London Train Travel system is very well managed and modernize, which provide superb travel facilities to tourists. The Tube, which is the longest and expansive underground metro rail system in the city, serves many areas like the central area and area of north Thames. The tourist can explore the ultimate and exotic places of London, through comprehensive and comfortable train transport.

The rail network of London provide travellers with a luxurious journey and let them enjoy a wonderful view of whole London. These trains are extremely fast, reliable and arrive on time to deliver their valuable services. The train travel in London will provide you a highly affordable and standard class ticket along with superb catering facilities during long journeys. Not only this, the highly admiring underground and advance trains in the city, will offer you a fast and safe journey. Nothing can be more good than Train travel in London, if you want to feel the true experience of exploring exotic places of London. After all, Journeys through train are quicker and offer you a high degree of comfort level. Besides this, through this well managed railway system, one can have an easy access to other outside locations of London also.

The best way to get cheap railway tickets in London is the Eurail. The Eurail provides rail passes at a very affordable rate, to the people who comes from outside Europe. If you are planning to travel in London then have complete knowledge of this system and have a look at the places from where you can get these rail tickets at discounted rates.

The train travel in London will give you a highly stress free and easy driving across various bewitching places and let you feel an exotic and rejuvenating holidays. The pampering journey through will leave you all the time to discover the extremely amazing and real adventure of travelling in the charming locations of London. If you are planning to visit London then the train travel will be highly beneficial for you and your family and will give you an easy and comfortable access to various places